Away Too Long

Where do the hours, days, weeks go to.  I seem to be constantly apologising and thats not what this blog is all about.  We need positive vibes and lots of encouragement in order to keep our heads up and enjoy the process of our quilting in general.  I hope you have had a more successful few weeks completing your projects in time for gifting.  I have sat down a number of times over the last few weeks with my iPad to pen a quick note - just to say I am still here and have not abandoned my followers.

Unfortunately for some reason I am no longer able to write my blog from the Blogger App!! on my iPad. It keeps crashing on me and telling me the app needs to be updated, however I know all my apps are up to date and all working well.......that is except for Blogger!

Here I am now, what have I been doing since last time?  Caring for my Dad, preparing for Christmas and trying to keep things on an even keel which I am struggling with a bit.  Hubby's Mum was admitted as an emergency, to hospital at the beginning of this week very, very poorly, however she seems to be on the mend and is now sitting up at the side of the hospital bed giving out her orders to her sons!

Sewing takes too much concentration when your mid is a bit congested with other things so although my Connecting Threads table runner/quilt is still on the design wall not a lot has been done.  I did receive my Connecting Threads order which I placed in Black Friday Sale - that was exciting!

I have however been knitting, keeping my fingers busy.......... how many of you remember these jumpers?  

This is a small size, for the big boy who was 2 years old last week.  I think it will keep him cosy when he is out in the garden running around - he is such an outdoor boy, following in his parents footsteps already.  Their little family went Christmas tree picking yesterday and of course he had to be dressed for the occasion.  He makes me smile!  This photo's on Facebook so I guess its ok to post here

I got his Christmas stocking finished and hopefully Santa will visit and drop a few parcels inside, complete with the orange and the penny in the bottom.

In other news Techie's room here has been completely emptied and the painter will be coming soon to transform it for its new use........whatever that might be.  

Once again sincere apologies for lack of updates, but now I know there is a problem I will try and make time to sit down at the computer.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Mainly Handstitching

Well I am pleased to say my sewing corner remains fairly tidy due to the fact I have been hand stitching this week and doing a bit of knitting.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy a bit of knitting.  I don't normally sit and watch television but for some reason this week I have been watching and knitting at the same time.  Very relaxing and enjoyable and sometimes sitting on my new chair with my feet up.  

Before the buttons were attached

and my new chair and stool before the legs were attached!

Preparations are being made everywhere for the festive season and many stitchers are posting lots of photos of their Christmas makes on the internet.  I must be odd - I think the only Christmas make for me this year is Santa's stocking for our little grandson.  I have finished the hand quilting and have a few sparkly star buttons to put on it and then I will put it all together this week.  

the buttons still need to be sewn in place

This little project has been on my design wall for a wee while - another of Connecting Threads kits.  It should be a table runner however as always plenty of fabric will make it into a little quilt for a charity.  

Rows still to be sewn together

The pattern

I hope you are all starting to think about the festivities and getting all your preparation done ahead of time so you can enjoy the holidays with your family and friends.